Postgraduate ProsPectus - Aston University

School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Product Design Innovation
School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Professional Engineering
Work Based Distance Learning
Key facts
1 year full-time: six months of taught
modules on campus and a six month
individual project.
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific subject requirements
Minimum of a first or good second
class UK Honours Degree in a product
design, engineering or business related
course. Two years experience in
relevant design work is an advantage.
International students whose native
language is not English will also need to
demonstrate English Language ability
(please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Developed to interest graduates
from a business or design
background
Enhances knowledge and
understanding of the principles
underlying professional product
design
Enables the student to develop
appropriate innovation and
entrepreneurial design skills
enabling viable start-up
manufacturing, marketing or
business enterprises
Fully accredited by the Institution
of Engineering Designers leading
to Chartered Engineering status
(CEng).
What are my career prospects?
This programme is suitable for
candidates seeking to develop their own
product ideas and innovations ‘ready for
manufacture and marketing’, start their
own design business enterprise, or enter
new product development organisations
at a higher level of responsibility.
Application and contact
MSc Admissions Officer
T: +44 (0)121 204 3668
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: seaspgtaught@aston.ac.uk
Programme overview
Creativity, Ideas Generation and the development of Innovative
Concepts underpins the interactive design work on this course. We
aim to provide a dynamic balance between knowledge acquisition and
practical hands-on skills. Much of the teaching and learning take place
in the Design Suite or CAE facility where we have the latest commercial
Computer Aided Design tools (including Solid works, Alias, Fluent,
Ansys), and lecture rooms equipped with modern AV/IT facilities.
Developed ideas can be manufactured using a variety of techniques,
and Modelmaking and Engineering Workshops are available to
create physical models and prototypes. This also includes a range
of specialist rapid prototyping equipment as well as dynamic testing
equipment. These resources can help in the testing of prototype ideas
ranging from small products to full sized transport proposals.
Examples of recent projects: Development of innovative Rigging for
Stunt Kite Boarding, Race Car Suspension using composite materials,
use of Solar Energy to cool conservatories, Educational Learning Toys,
Futuristic Kitchens and Vehicle Design.
Outline of programme
Module guide
This programme requires you to study ten taught modules and to
complete a major design project. Each taught module involves up to
22 contact hours, including lectures, tutorials, seminars and project
classes.
The programme runs from October to September with examinations/
assessments held in December and March/ April. The Research
Project explores fully the feasibility of the Major Project, which is then
completed by the following September.
Core modules:
Product Design Innovation
Design Realisation
Sustainable Design
Innovation Business
Development
International Studies
Management of New Product
Development
Research Project
Major Project.
Who is it taught by?
Elective modules chosen from:
Advanced Computer Aided
Design
CAD Principles and Materials
Selection
Strategic Management
Renewable Energy.
Programme Director
Chris Evans
Chris had 20 years of design experience in a wide variety of
industries and design groups before joining Aston University in
2001. His many research interests include Assistive Techniques and
Transport Design He has recently published a new book on Design
and Designing.
Programme overview
The MSc Professional Engineering provides, and demonstrates, the
advanced engineering knowledge and understanding needed for
CEng status. Each engineer on the programme has their own unique
programme made up of a series of work based projects. Learning is
specifically focused on employment needs, and gives immediate benefit
to your employment value. You will receive frequent mentoring support
in the workplace from a Chartered Engineer and high quality academic
mentoring from an Academic Supervisor. The result is cost effective
engineering staff development to the highest professional standards.
The MSc Professional Engineering is suitable for people who
aspire to fully qualified professional engineer status (CEng) and are
already part way there, normally through a UK accredited Honours
Degree at bachelor’s level (BEng or BSc), supported by several
years of employment experience gaining practical competence and
responsibility. We can also accept people without an Honours Degree
(eg qualified to HND level) but with greater relevant experience.
Outline of programme
Module guide
Core modules:
Electives chosen from:
Professional Development Scientific Foundations
Audit
Current Technologies and
Applications
Emerging Technologies
Design Methodologies
Major Project.
Who is it led by?
Programme Director
Bill Glew
Bill is a senior Chartered Engineer and member of the Institution
of Mechanical Engineers with many years of industrial experience.
He started his career as an Engineering Officer in the merchant
navy then worked as an engineer in a number of industries, before
eventually moving into production management. In 1992 he became
a University lecturer where he used his industrial experience to
increase the relevance of engineering degree programmes for
manufacturing companies.
Application and contact
Professional Engineering Support Team
T: +44 (0)121 204 3555
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: msc_profeng@aston.ac.uk
Engineering Analysis
Sustainability
Project Management
Further Topics in Engineering
Management
Product Delivery
Professional Literature Study
Extended Integrative Option.
Key facts
2-5 years work-based distance learning.
Start date: October, January, April or
July
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific subject requirements
A first or good second class Honours
Degree at bachelor’s level (BEng or BSc).
Qualifications from outside the UK or a
combination of qualifications (eg HND level)
and experience will also be considered.
To study for the MSc Professional
Engineering, you must be employed in
the engineering field in which you hope
to advance and already be a member
of, or be willing to join, an engineering
institution covering your chosen
engineering field. Your employer will need
to be supportive of you, and willing to
ensure you can undertake a good range
of workplace projects to build the learning
needed for the MSc and additionally the
competences to qualify for CEng.
International students whose native
language is not English will also need to
demonstrate English Language ability
(please see 37 for details).
Key benefits
Developed in conjunction with the
UK Engineering Council
Progression to Chartered Engineer
status
Requires no time away from
employment
Uses learning through immediate
application to real-life work problems
to reduce costs or increase value for
the employer and integrates theory
with practical application, using
critical thinking skills to generate
breakthrough knowledge.
What are my career prospects?
Successful completion of the MSc
Professional Engineering combined
with membership of a suitable
engineering institution provides
access to the institution’s process
for professional review for CEng
registration.
44 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
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